Best time to step out in the sun and set your circadian clock right
While one is not advised to step out in the afternoon sun during the summer, it is important to get your daily dose of sunshine for your physical and mental health. Waking up with the sun, having a routine, exercising, limiting screen time, avoiding long naps, and early bedtime are all things that can help us set our circadian clock right.
Circadian rhythm, or circadian cycle, is a natural process of our body that regulates the sleep–wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. Dr Andrew D Huberman, neuroscience professor at Stanford University, USA, says stepping out in the sun in the early morning or late afternoon can be an ideal stimulus for setting your circadian clock.
The neuroscientist says it helps one get a good night’s sleep and stay active during the day. “You have two opportunities each day to set your circadian clock, which has positive consequences, including improved sleep and improved energy throughout the day,” says Dr Huberman.
He adds that there is evidence that signifies that getting your circadian schedule correct can be beneficial for metabolism and immune system function. Explaining the benefits of viewing natural light in the morning and evening, the neurologist says that “the quality of that light is distinct at those times of day”.
Dr Huberman adds, “Morning light is more important, but ideally it is better if you can do both [morning and late afternoon].”
He further gives tips on how to get that natural light, which could work wonders for health. “Never look directly at any light that is bright and painful to look at since ideally you do this with sunglasses off. And no, it doesn’t work very well through a windshield or window,” ends the neuroscience professor.